How to run Cisco router as a virtual machine?

Introduction

In this post we will learn how to install and run Cisco router as a virtual machine. Cisco has a special product called CSR (Cloud Services Router) 1000v for deploying routers as virtual machines. You can use these VMs for testing and learning purposes. Cisco supports all popular cloud and virtualization platforms, but I will use VMWare ESXi 6.7 for demo.

Prerequisites

Download OVA file for CSR 1000v from Cisco website (https://software.cisco.com/download/home). You will need an active support contract for this

Make sure you have your VMWare ESXi host up and running

Step 1: Deploy CSR 1000v OVA file

Connect to your VMWare ESXi host and deploy CSR 1000v OVA file:

Click Create/Register VM

Choose Deploy a virtual machine from an OVF or OVA file and click Next